The Nigerian Government has suspended the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Ahmed Idris, indefinitely over alleged N80 billion fraud.
Idris suspension was contained in a letter signed by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, on Wednesday.
In the letter dated May 18, 2022, the minister said the minister’s suspension was without pay and to allow for “proper and unhindered investigation” in line with public service rules.
“Following your recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of diversion of funds and money laundering, I write to convey your suspension from work without pay effective 18th May 2022,” the letter read in part.
The letter, titled, ‘LETTER OF SUSPENSION’, also bars Ahmed from visiting his office or contacting any official in his office during his suspension except for disciplinary proceedings that might be initiated against him.
“This is to allow for proper and unhindered investigation into the serious allegations in line with Public Service Rules 030408.
“During this period, you are not expected to attend to your place of work or contact any official in your office except for any disciplinary hearing that may be advised.
“Also, it is expected that you will strictly comply with any instructions that will be forwarded to you in your current location or your known recorded address as stipulated in the extant rules,” the letter read.
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission had on Monday announced the arrest of Idris over alleged diversion and laundering of N80 billion.
EFCC’s Head of Media and Public Information, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, stated that verified intelligence reports showed that Idris raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.
EFCC added that the funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and in Abuja.
